Here's the best of events in July in India (listed by date).
1. Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
www.flickr.com user Arun Kumar Sinha
The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is the oldest snake boat race of Kerala. It's also the first boat race of the season. A stunning procession is enacted prior to the race taking place. It features exotic water floats, boats decorated with colorful parasols, and performing artists.
- When: July 3, 2012.
- Where: Pampa River at Champakulam, not far from Alleppey in Kerala.
2. Guru Purnima
Martin Harvey/Getty Images
This full moon day is celebrated in remembrance of the ancient sage Vyasa, who edited and wrote a number of holy Hindu scriptures. However, the idea behind Guru Purnima extends further than that. It's also a day for giving thanks to anyone who's taught you spiritual lessons in life. Many people simply spend some time reviewing all the knowledge they've acquired in the last year, and the way it's helped transformed them.
- When: July 3, 2012.
- Where: All over India, particularly in spiritual centers such as Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh. One of the largest Guru Purnima festivals is held at Goverdhan, near Mathura.
3. Splash 2012
www.flickr.com user Lensman vishy
The Splash monsoon carnival is back for the fourth year this year. It's a fabulous and fun opportunity to experience Wayanad during the monsoon season, and see the area's natural green beauty at this time of year. The carnival will consist of three action packed days of both outdoor and indoor events. Enticing accommodation packages are also on offer.
- When: July 13-15, 2012. A pre-monsoon 7-day exhibition and cultural extravaganza also will be held from July 9.
- Where:Kalpetta, Wayanad district, Kerala.
4. Teej Festival
wwww.flickr.com user Subharnab
The Teej festival is an important festival for women, and much anticipated monsoon festival. It commemorates the reunion of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women apply henna to their hands and feet, get dressed up, and parade around. Artists such as folk singers and dancers follow the procession. Caparisoned elephants, bullock carts, and chariots add to the spectacle.
- When: July 22-23, 2012.
- Where: Rajasthan, particularly in Jaipur.
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5. Nag Panchami
www.flickr.com user RussBowling
Nag Panchami, the festival of snakes, isn't for the feint hearted! This festival involves the worship of snakes, which are especially dug out and gathered for the occasion. On the day of Nag Panchami, villagers dance to music and carry the snakes in procession to the temple.
- When: July 24, 2012.
- Where: Mostly in rural areas, particularly Battis Shirala village, Maharastra. Other popular places include Adiesha Temple in Andhra Pradesh, Nagaraja Temple in Kerala, Nagathamman Temple in Chennai, and Hardevja Temple in Jaipur.
